What 1,163 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

The rear axle is slipping when going up any incline and when traveling on regular roads has vibration they have a recall but say mine not covered when it comes from the same plant in question during the time frame listed

NHTSA ODI 11669956

Under 23S55 my rear bolt was supposed to be replaced at my recall appointment at the Nice ford dealership in Sioux Falls South Dakota. Only the bushing always replaced as stated by the service writer and also the paperwork says they found no broken bolts and the bushing and ‘hardware’ was replaced. I have the invoice. 1 1/2 year later the bolt snapped causing my differential to nearly come completely off, hanging by one bolt, nearly killing my wife and I, coconut point ford in Estero fl, had the audacity to say bolts aren’t covered under my 100k warranty and the recall is closed so you have to pay. Then they said they’d pay 2100 then 2600 towards the 5300 repair which is not fair as this is a known recall issue that ford failed to fix at my recall appt. Please assist and pressure ford to fix this under the recall. They are saying it is closed which seems inaccurate,

NHTSA ODI 11669966

The directional headlights low beams have failed to work on several occasions, it started at 30000 miles. If is extremely dangerous when the headlights go out during night driving.

NHTSA ODI 11669993

Under ford recall 23S55 I had my car service @ a ford dealership where I don't believe they replaced the bolt. This was in Jan 2024. It's stated they replaced the bushing and hardware but found no broken bolts so it seems only an inspection was done. That would explain why 1 1/2 year later as this is a 2020 Ford explorer that the rear axle bolt did break and caused the differential to fall off putting my family's life at risk. That being said Ford is refusing to reopen the recall to pay for the damage caused by this ongoing issue. I know there is a class action lawsuit against Ford regarding this so I'd like to settle this amicably with Ford and see if You can help reopen the recall so that my vehicle can be repaired and be safe to drive again.

NHTSA ODI 11669680

Driver side headrest does not properly lock in place. The headrest moves from the upright position to a forward angle position when jostled. While braking heavily in a car accident, my driver side headrest abruptly moved forward causing the headrest to slam into the back of my head.

NHTSA ODI 11669811

While driving at 50 MPH, the Powertrain malfunction light, Hill Start assist malfunction light , and PreCollision malfunction light came on. Took vehicle to Performance Ford, Randolph, NJ where it was determined that it was the front axle disconnect actuator assembly was broken. FORD is aware of this problem per TSB 23-2174 but has not advised the owners of the problem, at least not myself. The cost was $2946.61. This is a safety issue and should be addressed and repaired by Ford. Also had to rent a car for 3 days

NHTSA ODI 11669826

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front end of the hood was lower than normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was not due to a collision because all the bolts were in place. The dealer determined that the driver's side hood adjuster was missing, and the dealer installed a new hood adjuster on the driver's side of the vehicle; however, the hood remained unleveled. The contact stated that the passenger's side front end of the hood was in contact with the fender while there was a quarter inch gap between the driver's side front end of the hood and the trim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669117

The panoramic sunroof shade has lost its tension when opens. The roller may have broken its clip to hold since being plastic. When open it blockes from seeing from rear view mirror as it sags down. In short cant use sunroof as it poses a risk of view

NHTSA ODI 11669191

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming the rear end of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact returned to the residence and inspected underneath the vehicle and became aware that the right exhaust had detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that right exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B35 (Right-Hand Catalytic Converter and Right-Hand and Left-Hand Exhaust Flexible Pipe(s) Inspection); however, the VIN was not included in the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,416.

NHTSA ODI 11668881

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, causing the rear driveshaft to disconnect. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11669010

After maintaining a speed, accelerating just a bit, the steering wheel vibrates until i increase the speed. Twice I have had it into the shop after I purchased it and the Ford dealership said there is nothing wrong. It cost me the 2nd time. There is a recall on a bolt on the rear axle on mine and a steering bolt on another 2020 vehicle. Another mechanic said it could be the transmition not working properly. It drives down the road good except when accelerating a little. It sometimes has a hard shift into drive or reverse. Thank You

NHTSA ODI 11668760

My 2020 Ford Explorer has 63,853 miles on it. My power train started to hard shift up and down out of nowhere on Wednesday June 18, 2025. It was fine in the morning before work and on my way home after work it started to hard shift.

NHTSA ODI 11668299

Ford Explorer has a panoramic roof cover that has a small plastic part that breaks and and creates a fold in the material - the window retracts but the material doesn't and fold down. This is a safety risk, because with the shade sagging down it blocks your view of the rear. According to others posting on online forums, a small plastic trim piece that is breaking and the cost to repair is around $1800. Repair shops has to pull the headliner and replace the fabric and new plastic bit. Apparently there is no way to make this repair without removing the entire sunroof window. What a design flaw!

NHTSA ODI 11668194

I am filing a complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Ford Explorer that was not properly addressed during a recall repair, leading to a dangerous situation. Vehicle Details Make: Ford Model: Explorer Year: 2020 Recall Repair Details In January 2024, I took my vehicle to Coconut Point Ford in Estero, FL, for a recall repair related to the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt, which was at risk of fracturing. The recall required the replacement of the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt to prevent driveshaft disconnection. Incident Description Recently, while driving under normal conditions, the bolt fractured, causing the differential to nearly detach from the vehicle. This failure could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. I am now facing a $6,000 repair bill for an issue that should have been resolved under the recall. Safety Risk The failure of the bolt and the near detachment of the differential posed a severe safety risk, as it could have led to a loss of control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds. Dealership Response When I brought this to the attention of Coconut Point Ford, they stated that "bolts are not covered under the extended warranty." However, since this is a recall-related issue, I believe Ford is obligated to cover the repair costs. The service writer, Steve, has been helpful, but the resolution has been delayed. Additional Context I am aware of class action lawsuits against Ford regarding this defect, which allege that the recall fix does not fully address the issue and that the design is inherently flawed. Request I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to ensure that Ford is held accountable for properly addressing this safety recall and to prevent similar incidents from occurring to other vehicle owners. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11667955

Recently, my 2020 Ford Explorer showed a front passenger TSMP failure followed by the rear driver TSMP failure light about 3 weeks later. Within a day or two of the second TSMP light displaying, I had multiple codes lighting up my dash: 4WD fault, hill-start assist unavailable, service advance track, pre-collision assist unavailable, check manual, etc. I found my car was not accelerating every time I pressed the acceleration pedal, and it would stop maintaining my speed and appear to drift like power was lost for a couple to few seconds before resuming power. This caused me to move into a turn lane or make an unexpected turn off the road as I could not maintain speed in the midst of traffic. It was terrifying and dangerous to myself, my children and the vehicles moving around me. One reputable repair shop replaced the TSMP sensors; however, the codes for the other warning lights showed a communication error that only Ford could diagnose. Ford stated the AWD module failed, which meant the different systems were not in communication when I was driving which led to the loss of power that I experienced multiple times while driving to repair shops. Ford stated the AWD module needed to be replaced. It is unbelievable that I would have 2 TSMP sensors and an AWD module fail in less than 5 years of the vehicle being manufactured when I have never replaced any of those items in 7-8 years of owning other vehicles with similar components. I believe Ford has used inferior parts that they know will fail to drive their repair revenue, which is unethical and unsafe to consumers.

NHTSA ODI 11667634

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall was repair was performed; however, several months later while driving 50 MPH, the rear axle bolt split in half. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear axle bolt was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11667832

While slowing, between 30-25mph the transmission downshifts hard and the vehicle jerks. This just began happening. No alarms or errors present on the vehicle. Regularly serviced with no issues.

NHTSA ODI 11667361

Front axle boot defective and leaks grease causing steering instability and possible powertrain failure. Dealer charged $475 to fix/replace the part. Upon further research on-line, it is apparent that thousands of 2020 Ford Explorers exhibit the same problem and the manufacturer should be fixing this problem free of charge.

NHTSA ODI 11667427

Vehicle accelerates rapidly at low speeds when attempting to slightly accelerate in slow speed area such as in parking lots. Transmission chugs shifts hard when trying to maintain speeds below 50 MPH. Transmission was rebuilt by dealer under warranty but same problem still exists. Dangerous and happens often.

NHTSA ODI 11667210

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V159000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the vehicle experienced a failure with the back over prevention system. The contact stated that the image on the screen was occasionally blue, or the image was frozen. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer and was informed there would be a charge for a diagnostic test and the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11667216

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway and making a right turn, the vehicle felt like the front axle was locked in 4WD Mode. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while reversing out of the driveway. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed, and the dealer diagnosed that the front axle and the front axle boots needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,950.

NHTSA ODI 11667223

The Abs failed and my car break system went out while on the highway with two small kids. Very dangerous

NHTSA ODI 11666447

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds the transmission unexpected downshifted from a high gear to a low gear, and the vehicle lurched forward while attempting to decelerate. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666561

When entering a roundabout, the vehicle failed to accelerate for a few moments. The vehicle then suddenly accelerated agressviely putting the occupants at risk for a collision with the oncoming traffic amd vehciles ahead of us, already in the roundabout.

NHTSA ODI 11665966

THIS RECALL HAS BEEN REMEDIED AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I NEED THIS RECALL MARKED TAKEN CARE OF SO THAT I CAN CONTINUE RENTING IT. PLEASE REMOVE THIS CARE OFF THE UNREPAIRED LIST ASAP!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11666047